The United Kingdom announced late Friday that it has signed up to participate in Microsoft Corp.'s recently announced Government Security Program, which gives it access to Windows source code and prescriptive guidance on security assurance.

Earlier this month Microsoft said it had formed a new global initiative to provide governments around the world with access to Windows source code under the new GSP security initiative, which is designed to "address the unique security requirements of governments and international organizations throughout the world."

"We view governments that utilize our software as trusted partners. The GSP will provide governments with the opportunity to assess the security and integrity of the Microsoft products they deploy. ... We are also providing technical documentation, methods for troubleshooting, access to cryptographic tools subject to export controls, and access to Microsoft expert support technicians who can collaborate with governments on how they use this source code access," Microsoft's chief technology officer, Craig Mundie, said at that time. The U.K. government joins the government of Russia and NATO as the first participants in the program, while Microsoft is talking to more than 20 other countries about their interest in the program.

Microsoft's GSP move follows its concerns about the interest a number of foreign governments and agencies have shown in Linux.